Nick QuarmDark AmbientWhat is it about the Eastern scene that continues to instigate horrific imagery and soundscapes among us?Enemite's "Wuyuan" is a 8 track opus of Ritual Ambience, hailing from China. Released on the underground "Dying Art" label, "Wuyuan" is exactly what the sicker minded ambient lovers will long for.

After the deceivingly calm intro, the sickness kicks in, and the soundtrack to a disgusting nightmare is unleashed. Gongs, distorted windpipes, repulsive vocals and a very distinctive eastern sound carry this release. At times, the sound goes from the shrillest and most intimate of ambient soundscapes to the most necrotic and vile vocals imaginable. Indeed, it's as if the vocals were literally vomited out.

Sadly, the artwork and inlays aren't legible to those of you who don't speak native Mandarin. Fortunately, the fascinating but eerie inlay gives us enough insight as to what to expect with this release anyway.

You can almost sit back and imagine yourself laid on an icy cold mortuary table, with a circle of men approaching you with ceremonial knives. The music on this release really is that effective.

"Wuyuan" really is not comparable to anything else from its genre; as usual, the Chinese scene provides us once again with something as twisted and unorthodox as anyone could want to imagine.

Enemite - Wuyuan

What is it about the Eastern scene that continues to instigate horrific imagery and soundscapes among us?Enemite's "Wuyuan" is a 8 track opus of Ritual Ambience, hailing from China. Released on the underground "Dying Art" label, "Wuyuan" is exactly what the sicker minded ambient lovers will long for.

After the deceivingly calm intro, the sickness kicks in, and the soundtrack to a disgusting nightmare is unleashed. Gongs, distorted windpipes, repulsive vocals and a very distinctive eastern sound carry this release. At times, the sound goes from the shrillest and most intimate of ambient soundscapes to the most necrotic and vile vocals imaginable. Indeed, it's as if the vocals were literally vomited out.

Sadly, the artwork and inlays aren't legible to those of you who don't speak native Mandarin. Fortunately, the fascinating but eerie inlay gives us enough insight as to what to expect with this release anyway.

You can almost sit back and imagine yourself laid on an icy cold mortuary table, with a circle of men approaching you with ceremonial knives. The music on this release really is that effective.

"Wuyuan" really is not comparable to anything else from its genre; as usual, the Chinese scene provides us once again with something as twisted and unorthodox as anyone could want to imagine.